First Aid Beauty

First Aid Beauty Brighten + Glow Moisturizer with Vitamin C

Name: First Aid Beauty - Brighten + Glow Moisturizer with Vitamin C
Brand: First Aid Beauty

Efficacy75/100IrritancyHigh

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Works for

2 of 2 advertised claims delivered

Moisturizing

Squalane, Glycerin + 6 more

Good evidence

What the product description says

“What it is: A light and refreshing gel-cream moisturizer with vitamin C that hydrates and visibly brightens—for a healthy-looking glow.”

Source: Sephora CA

This product can help improve hydration of the skin with the two types of ingredients.

The first type is called “humectants”:
these ingredients help attract water. When humectants are on the surface of the skin, they “pull in” the moisture from the outside environment, or from within deeper layers of the skin. The following ingredients in this product do the job: glycerin, hyaluronic acid.

This product also contains ingredients called “occlusives”. They help reduce the speed with which our skin loses moisture to the outside environment. These ingredients also help soften the upper layer of the skin, so it feels less tight and nicer to the touch. The following ingredients in this product do the job: squalane, coco-caprylate/caprate.

SqualaneKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighAn oil naturally present in skin. Works as an emollient to soften the skin and form a protective layer on its surface without a greasy feeling.~1.9–2.4%

GlycerinKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant~2.4–2.9%

Hyaluronic acidKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin. Naturally present in skin. Typically has large molecule size unless advertised otherwise on the product label. Helps support skin's barrier function and may help to reduce inflammation~0.6–0.95%

Mangifera indica seed butterKey activeEffect: HighHelps to soften the upper layer of the skin and might have some anti-oxidant effect~1.6–2%

Coco-caprylate/caprateKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumHelps to soften the upper layer of the skin without creating a greasy texture~0.45–0.7%

Camellia sinensis leaf extractEffect: LowCan contain potent anti-oxidant compounds (abbreviated ECG, GCG, EGC, and EGCG) that might help protect the skin from free radicals. Can help calm down inflammation and has some anti-bacterial properties. Unfortunately, these antioxidants are unstable and lose their effectiveness very quickly in products. The concentration of the antioxidant compounds in the extract also tends to be low to be effective in topical formulation~0.6–0.9%

Lactic acidUnder-dosedEffect: HighAn exfoliating and moisturizing alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA). Typically causes less irritation than other AHAs, for example, glycolic acid. At high concentrations (about 15%), lactic acid can help reduce lines and wrinkles. Recent studies show that lactic acid can support the "good" bacteria living on skin's surface (healthy skin microbiome)~0.55–0.8%

TocopherolEffect: Low, below effective dosePure form of vitamin E. Can help moisturise and protect the skin from free radicals. Often used to help stabilise other ingredients or the formula itself~0.45–0.7%

Evens skin tone

3-o-ethyl ascorbic acid, Glycyrrhiza glabra root extract + 2 more

Moderate evidence

What the product description says

“Brighten + Glow Moisturizer with Vitamin C”

Source: Sephora CA

The following ingredient (ingredients) in this product might be helpful, but there is no evidence to confirm that it actually works: 3-o-ethyl ascorbic acid, glycyrrhiza glabra root extract.

3-o-ethyl ascorbic acidKey activeEffect: MediumA vitamin C derivative that is more stable but less potent than pure form of vitamin C. Can help neutralize free radicals and help reduce hyperpigmentation, but the required concentration is likely to be much higher than for the pure form of vitamin C, limiting the ingredient's effectiveness in products~1.3–1.5%

Glycyrrhiza glabra root extractEffect: LowA plant extract that can help lighten the skin and calm down inflammation. Might be helpful in neutralizing free radicals~0.5–0.75%

Anti-oxidation

Not advertised by the brand · 3-o-ethyl ascorbic acid, Camellia sinensis leaf extract + 4 more

Moderate evidence

This product contains antioxidants (3-o-ethyl ascorbic acid, camellia sinensis leaf extract) that might be able to help neutralize free radicals in skin to lessen the damage it gets from the UV light (sun). There is not enough evidence to confirm their effectiveness in skin though.

Camellia sinensis leaf extractKey activeEffect: MediumCan contain potent anti-oxidant compounds (abbreviated ECG, GCG, EGC, and EGCG) that might help protect the skin from free radicals. Can help calm down inflammation and has some anti-bacterial properties. Unfortunately, these antioxidants are unstable and lose their effectiveness very quickly in products. The concentration of the antioxidant compounds in the extract also tends to be low to be effective in topical formulation~0.6–0.9%

Glycyrrhiza glabra root extractEffect: LowA plant extract that can help lighten the skin and calm down inflammation. Might be helpful in neutralizing free radicals~0.5–0.75%

Mangifera indica seed butterEffect: LowHelps to soften the upper layer of the skin and might have some anti-oxidant effect~1.6–2%

Zingiber officinale root extractEffect: LowA plant extract that can contain an irritating essential oil. Might have some anti-oxidant effect, but evidence is lacking~0.55–0.8%

TocopherolUnder-dosedEffect: HighPure form of vitamin E. Can help moisturise and protect the skin from free radicals. Often used to help stabilise other ingredients or the formula itself~0.45–0.7%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy

3 strong irritants: Carica papaya fruit extract, Zingiber officinale root extract + 1 more — patch-test recommended

High risk

We flagged 9 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.

IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount

3-o-ethyl ascorbic acidA vitamin C derivative that is more stable but less potent than pure form of vitamin C. Can help neutralize free radicals and help reduce hyperpigmentation, but the required concentration is likely to be much higher than for the pure form of vitamin C, limiting the ingredient's effectiveness in productsHigh~1.3–1.5%est.

Carica papaya fruit extract—High~0.75–1.15%est.

Zingiber officinale root extractA plant extract that can contain an irritating essential oil. Might have some anti-oxidant effect, but evidence is lackingHigh~0.55–0.8%est.

Chrysanthemum parthenium extractCould have anti-inflammatory effect on skin, but can be irritating as well. Can be added to products for its smellHigh~0.45–0.7%est.

Ethyl macadamiateHelps water and oil mix togetherMedium~2.8–3.5%est.

Lactic acidAn exfoliating and moisturizing alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA). Typically causes less irritation than other AHAs, for example, glycolic acid. At high concentrations (about 15%), lactic acid can help reduce lines and wrinkles. Recent studies show that lactic acid can support the "good" bacteria living on skin's surface (healthy skin microbiome)Medium~0.55–0.8%est.

Glycyrrhiza glabra root extractA plant extract that can help lighten the skin and calm down inflammation. Might be helpful in neutralizing free radicalsMedium~0.5–0.75%est.

EthylhexylglycerinA preservativeMedium~0.4–0.6%est.

Potassium sorbateA preservativeMedium~0.25–0.45%est.

Comedogenic

Clean of flagged comedogenic ingredients

None flagged

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Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Water~45–55%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Plain old water

More about Water

Trioctyldodecyl citrate~6.8–8.3%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Trioctyldodecyl citrate

Propanediol~4.2–5.1%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Acts as a solvent for other ingredients. Speeds up the absorption of other ingredients into the skin

More about Propanediol

Ethyl macadamiate~2.8–3.5%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Helps water and oil mix together

More about Ethyl macadamiate

Glycerin~2.4–2.9%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant

More about Glycerin

Squalane~1.9–2.4%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

An oil naturally present in skin. Works as an emollient to soften the skin and form a protective layer on its surface without a greasy feeling.

More about Squalane

Mangifera indica seed butter~1.6–2%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-oxidation

Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and might have some anti-oxidant effect

More about Mangifera indica seed butter

C9-12 alkane~1.5–1.8%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Helps dissolve other ingredients in a formulation

More about C9-12 alkane

3-o-ethyl ascorbic acid~1.3–1.5%

Key activeIrritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Evens skin toneAnti-oxidationAnti-aging

A vitamin C derivative that is more stable but less potent than pure form of vitamin C. Can help neutralize free radicals and help reduce hyperpigmentation, but the required concentration is likely to be much higher than for the pure form of vitamin C, limiting the ingredient's effectiveness in products

More about 3-o-ethyl ascorbic acid

Carbomer~1.1–1.3%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

Helps create a thicker or gel-like product texture. It is not a surfactant but can be used in gentle cleansing formulations

More about Carbomer

Carica papaya fruit extract~0.75–1.15%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

More about Carica papaya fruit extract

Carthamus tinctorius seed extract~0.65–1%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Carthamus tinctorius seed extract

Hyaluronic acid~0.6–0.95%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-inflammatoryAnti-aging

One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin. Naturally present in skin. Typically has large molecule size unless advertised otherwise on the product label. Helps support skin's barrier function and may help to reduce inflammation

More about Hyaluronic acid

Zingiber officinale root extract~0.55–0.8%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Anti-oxidation

A plant extract that can contain an irritating essential oil. Might have some anti-oxidant effect, but evidence is lacking

More about Zingiber officinale root extract

Lactic acid~0.55–0.8%

Under-dosedIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

ExfoliationEvens skin toneMoisturizingAnti-aging

An exfoliating and moisturizing alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA). Typically causes less irritation than other AHAs, for example, glycolic acid. At high concentrations (about 15%), lactic acid can help reduce lines and wrinkles. Recent studies show that lactic acid can support the "good" bacteria living on skin's surface (healthy skin microbiome)

More about Lactic acid

Camellia sinensis leaf extract~0.6–0.9%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Anti-oxidationAntibacterialAnti-agingMoisturizingEvens skin toneAnti-blemish

Can contain potent anti-oxidant compounds (abbreviated ECG, GCG, EGC, and EGCG) that might help protect the skin from free radicals. Can help calm down inflammation and has some anti-bacterial properties. Unfortunately, these antioxidants are unstable and lose their effectiveness very quickly in products. The concentration of the antioxidant compounds in the extract also tends to be low to be effective in topical formulation

More about Camellia sinensis leaf extract

Glycyrrhiza glabra root extract~0.5–0.75%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Reduces rednessEvens skin toneAnti-oxidationAnti-inflammatoryAntibacterial

A plant extract that can help lighten the skin and calm down inflammation. Might be helpful in neutralizing free radicals

More about Glycyrrhiza glabra root extract

Chrysanthemum parthenium extract~0.45–0.7%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Could have anti-inflammatory effect on skin, but can be irritating as well. Can be added to products for its smell

More about Chrysanthemum parthenium extract

Tocopherol~0.45–0.7%

Under-dosed

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Anti-oxidationAnti-agingAnti-inflammatoryMoisturizing

Pure form of vitamin E. Can help moisturise and protect the skin from free radicals. Often used to help stabilise other ingredients or the formula itself

More about Tocopherol

Coco-caprylate/caprate~0.45–0.7%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin without creating a greasy texture

More about Coco-caprylate/caprate

Ethylhexylglycerin~0.4–0.6%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A preservative

More about Ethylhexylglycerin

Malic acid~0.4–0.6%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Helps adjust the product pH

More about Malic acid

Adipic acid/neopentyl glycol crosspolymer~0.4–0.6%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Helps optically blurr skin imperfections such as fine lines and pores

More about Adipic acid/neopentyl glycol crosspolymer

Tetrasodium glutamate diacetate~0.3–0.6%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Helps stabilize the product formulation

More about Tetrasodium glutamate diacetate

Ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp copolymer~0.3–0.6%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Increases thickness of a product. Texture enhancer for oil-in-water emulsions

More about Ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp copolymer

Maltodextrin~0.3–0.6%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Mattifying

Used to stabilize the product formulation and can help absorb oil

More about Maltodextrin

Xanthan gum~0.3–0.55%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

Used to create a thicker product consistency

More about Xanthan gum

Phenoxyethanol~0.25–0.5%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products

More about Phenoxyethanol

Potassium sorbate~0.25–0.45%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A preservative

More about Potassium sorbate

Sodium benzoate~0.2–0.35%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

A preservative

More about Sodium benzoate

Sodium carbonate~0.2–0.35%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Helps regulate product's pH

More about Sodium carbonate

Sodium chloride~0.15–0.3%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Used to stabilize mixtures of oil and water, and create thicker, gel-like product textures

More about Sodium chloride

Sodium hydroxide~0.1–0.2%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Used to adjust the product's pH

More about Sodium hydroxide

Mica~0.1–0.2%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Creates an illusion of smoother and more radiant skin tone. Adds shimmer to the skin by reflecting light

More about Mica

Ci 77491~0.05–0.1%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

A red colorant made of iron oxide. Typically is not irritating

More about Ci 77491

Ci 77891~0.05–0.1%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Ci 77891

Ingredient list view

Water, Trioctyldodecyl citrate, Propanediol, Ethyl macadamiate, Glycerin, Squalane, Mangifera indica seed butter, C9-12 alkane, 3-o-ethyl ascorbic acid, Carbomer, Carica papaya fruit extract, Carthamus tinctorius seed extract, Hyaluronic acid, Zingiber officinale root extract, Lactic acid, Camellia sinensis leaf extract, Glycyrrhiza glabra root extract, Chrysanthemum parthenium extract, Tocopherol, Coco-caprylate/caprate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Malic acid, Adipic acid/neopentyl glycol crosspolymer, Tetrasodium glutamate diacetate, Ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp copolymer, Maltodextrin, Xanthan gum, Phenoxyethanol, Potassium sorbate, Sodium benzoate, Sodium carbonate, Sodium chloride, Sodium hydroxide, Mica, Ci 77491, Ci 77891